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Local Info Yomiuriland-mae pt.1

Happiness Burger #1

There are many shops and restaurants outside the south gate of Odakyu Yomiuriland-mae station, but what can you find around the north gate? Though fewer, there are very good restaurants and cafes on this side– that can be such a temptation on the way back to my sharehouse, Glan Yomiuriland-mae

People who come here for the theme park Yomiuriland usually take a bus to go straight to their destination, so they do not realize those hidden spots. So here we go, I am going to share the spots I’ve explored in this series!

From one minute from the north gate is Happiness Burger, an American-style burger shop. They have a variety of burgers, fries, drinks and snacks which I’m going to share in future posts. This time I’d like to share my favorite way of spending time there.

They have table seats too, but I usually like to drop by the shop after work, sit at the counter, and finish up work while munching on some yummyums. Currently because of covid, the hours are shorter (close around 8-9pm), but if not they will let you stay there as long as you want. There are some electric outlets and wifi (you do need to ask for the password however). More than anything, I like the coziness and spaciousness!

I stop by a few times every month, usually for a quick snack. Below is my favorite, Chili Cheese Fries (450 yen). The cheese is a little thick and sweet, chili isn’t so spicy, but when you are hungry and in need of quick remedy, it’s such a good way to fill your stomach! Look at this smily face, this one always puts a smile on my face too 🙂

Hello for the first time!

My name is Annie and I’m now living in Oakhouse’s very own Flora Yokohama Hoshikawa. Being new to the whole living in Japan thing, I can’t wait to share my experiences with you. Three weeks ago I hopped on a plane and came to Tokyo to begin my working holiday. I grew up on the Gold Coast in Australia and have had a never ending love for everything Japan has to offer. Travelling around the country three times before, I finally decided to make this trip a bit more than a holiday and incorporate living like a local into it. So far, it has been just that and more!

When I first got here I had booked one week in a hotel and from then on I had no clue where I would be living. That’s when I discovered Oakhouse. During that week of living in a hotel with endless nights of research, I rocked up to the information centre in Shibuya and spoke to Filip about moving into one of their places. Having a scroll through the many options, I decided on checking out Gran Tachikawa and Flora Yokohama Hoshikawa.

Spending my first weekend in Japan looking at both of these houses and attending a tea party at the one in Yokohama, I met so many new people and discovered a whole different side to living in Japan.

On the Sunday evening I applied for a spot in Flora Yokohama Hoshikawa and three days later got the approval that I could move in that Thursday! I was beyond excited about finally having a place to settle in to. Then I was off: buying bedding, packing my suitcase again, getting all of the necessities and organising my way to the share house.

Now I’m sitting in my cosy room writing this blog post and bursting with excitement to share my stories with you all.

So basically I can’t thank the wonderful staff at Oakhouse enough for their courteous, quick service and for going above and beyond in helping me to find a place and settle in.

Whilst I’ve been living in the share house, adjusting to my new way of life, I’ve met some lovely people who have been willing to help me even with the simplest things like registering my residency at the ward office. I’ve also been to so many different places I probably wouldn’t have visited on a normal holiday – Minato Mirai area, Enoshima, around Yokohama station and more. I’ve even been lucky enough to hang out with people from my share house and attend the fireworks together.

So much has happened in these last three weeks and time is flying by. Next up on my agenda is finding a job! I’ll update you with what I’ve been up to every week from now on so here’s some pictures to enjoy in the mean time!

And don’t forget to check out more info about the share house I’m staying in – Flora Yokohama Yoshikawa at https://www.oakhouse.jp/eng/house/kanagawa/yokohama/flora-hoshikawa

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